The beginning of a fast friendship on Staten Island

South Shore commuters were overjoyed to exchange Monday morning's rush-hour traffic for seats on the new fast ferry from Great Kills.

In between reading newspapers and listening to music, many expressed thanks that they were finally getting a breather from the long trips to and from work after Hurricane Sandy strained the city's transportation system. Their only concern: That the service become a staple of Staten Island life.

"It's going to give me back hours of my life," said Cheryl Vetrano, whose commute between Annadale and Lower Manhattan expanded to two hours over the last few weeks. "This is a godsend. They have to keep it around."

About 34 people paid the $2 one-way fare and boarded the 7 a.m. boat out of the temporary landing at Gateway National Recreation Area. Borough President James Molinaro, City Councilman Vincent Ignizio, Assemblyman Joseph Borelli, city Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and Deputy Borough President Ed Burke joined riders for the trip. Sen. Andrew Lanza was also present.

"The people wanted it, and now it's up to them to keep it," Molinaro said. "It's either use it or lose it."

The ferries are expected to run for eight weeks, but Molinaro said the New York Water Taxi service could stick around longer if there is sufficient demand. "The main issue is attendance. People need to show that they want this to stay."

Ms. Sadik-Khan spearheaded the project, but said she worked closely with local officials to figure out the best way to help Islanders find an easier way to work.

"We're in this boat together, and we're certainly in that boat together today," she said moments before boarding for her first trip.

Christina Tagliaferro had a smile on her face as the boat made its first stop, at Pier 11. She just bought a condo in Great Kills, and said the fast ferry would cut hours from her commute to midtown.

"I was doing cartwheels when I heard about this," she said. "Just keep it," she pleaded, before heading off the boat.

There are six trips in the mornings, between 6 and 9 a.m. The boat stops at Pier 11 on South Street, near Wall Street, then at 35th Street. In the afternoon, ferries will depart from East 35th Street every half hour from 4:45 to 7:15 p.m. and from Pier 11 in 30-minute intervals from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Alex Leatherman of Great Kills said the fast ferry gave him some extra time in the morning to go for a run and have breakfast.

"It's nice not having to get up as early," he said, estimating he'll save about an hour in the morning. "Even if they charged more, I'd definitely pay. It's worth it."

As the boat made its way along the waters of Midland Beach, past the FDR Boardwalk and under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, some commuters slept while others gazed out the window for a unique view from the water.

Longtime Eltingville resident Rich Woytowich stood and took pictures out the window. Now retired, Woytowich couldn't resist the maiden voyage. "I never got to sail in these waters before. I'm just here for the ride," he said.

Woytowich returned to Great Kills via the fast ferry nearly 12 hours later.

"It's a fine ride," he said before boarding the shuttle bus out of the park.

Michael DePaolis of Eltingville agreed, calling it an excellent transportation choice. He and others recommended the fresh ride go from temporary to permanent.

"They need to keep it. It's perfect, plus I was actually able to relax," he said, adding the approximately 50-minute ride is pleasant. "I don't need to change from the [Staten Island Ferry] to the train."

"It's definitely helpful for the South Shore people," said Anthony Gianino, who rode the boat with his brothers, Carl and Frank. The trio said the trip absolutely beats traffic on the highway.

"It's not so bad compared to an hour and a half [of traffic] on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway," added Carl, who enjoyed the scenic, unfamiliar voyage.

Before disembarking on the Manhattan side, Mrs. Vetrano stopped to thank Molinaro and Ms. Khan for their efforts.

"I no longer feel like we're part of the forgotten borough," she said.